How many UK on-road cyclists are there?

Question

I'm having a little trouble answering this myself elsewhere and tried to look up for some official Department for Transport stats and just got lost and swamped. 

So, in the UK how many cyclists are there. By this I mean regular riders who only use the road systems or commuting facilities such as cyclelanes, not the off-road mountain bikers who will sometimes drive their bike to a private facility or people who use a velodrome.

I have heard estimates from 4 - 5 million but I'm having trouble substantiating this. If you have a link to an official government webpage (DFT, directgov etc) all the better!

Thanks people!

Paul · Accepted Answer

"One in six (16%) adults agree that cycling is an important form of transport for them personally. Almost four-fifths (79%) disagree with this (Omnibus).
• Those who cycle frequently are more likely to consider this to be an important form of transport. 79% of those cycling at least once a week agree 'cycling is an important form of transport for me', compared with 8% of those who cycle less often."
For the bike to be a form of transport implies substantial on road use
16% of 62million is 10million

Phillip B · Answer

CTC is the largest UK cycling organisation, so what their Chief Exec Kevin Mayne says is probably the best estimate available:
"up to 16% of adults include cycling in their activities"

R C · Answer

Sadly the road census system is flawed in this regard which is why you find it difficult to get an official answer.
The usual roadside census count does not include cyclists, (although I have stopped and asked to be included in the past).

Anonymous · Answer

there is no way to tell

if you got a number how would you believe it>?/

if that doesn;t matter then what is wrong with the one you already have?
4-5 million
there

wle

Trending News

How many UK on-road cyclists are there?

4 Answers